Shadows quivered along the walls of the fortress corridor as though they had been listening, waiting. Alina’s mark pulsed beneath her skin, each beat sharper than her heartbeat, like the Veil itself had teeth. Her grip on control was slipping, though she hated to admit it even to herself.
Kael walked at her side, stride measured, eyes cutting toward her every few seconds like he could catch the exact moment she faltered. Riven trailed only a pace behind, his presence burning hotter, sharper — like a flame daring her to look back. Their nearness pressed at her from both directions, their rivalry a storm brewing just under the surface.
“Your mark is louder tonight,” Kael said finally, his voice low, controlled. “The Veil doesn’t rest. It’s learning you. Testing your edges.”
“Testing?” Ali
